Autos – Gear Diaryhttps://geardiary.com
Tech, Autos, & Gear in Layman's Terms Since 2006Thu, 08 Dec 2016 20:00:13 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.1https://i0.wp.com/geardiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/gear-diary-logo-2560-549b4aa6v1_site_icon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1Autos – Gear Diaryhttps://geardiary.com
323234822432016 Volkswagen Golf GTI Is the Real Hot Hatchhttps://geardiary.com/2016/12/02/2016-volkswagen-golf-gti-is-the-real-hot-hatch/
https://geardiary.com/2016/12/02/2016-volkswagen-golf-gti-is-the-real-hot-hatch/#respondFri, 02 Dec 2016 20:00:05 +0000https://geardiary.com/?p=371706Volkswagen says its GTI defined the term hot hatch – a fun-to-drive hatchback offering power, playful performance, refinement, and style. The latest iteration was North American Car of the Year for 2015 and recently we spent time behind the wheel of the 2016 Golf GTI. If ever there was truth in advertising it is the …]]>

Volkswagen says its GTI defined the term hot hatch – a fun-to-drive hatchback offering power, playful performance, refinement, and style. The latest iteration was North American Car of the Year for 2015 and recently we spent time behind the wheel of the 2016 Golf GTI.

2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI/Images courtesy VW

If ever there was truth in advertising it is the embodiment of the Golf GTI. Volkswagen got things right with this one despite its struggles with TDI models. The Golf GTI is offered (for now) in two- and four-door models with our tester arriving as the latter. At the heart of the fun is a turbcharged 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder engine with direct injection producing 210hp and 258 lb. ft. torque with the power band beginning low in the rpm range. An available performance package allows the engine to gain an extra 10 horsepower and hold power a bit higher in the revs.

Volkswagen mates the third-generation EA888 engine to either six-speed manual or six-speed DSG automatic transmission. We drove a model with the DSG gearbox and enjoyed the solid shifts at peak power point with no needed input from the driver. For those wishing for more input, there is sport and manual shift mode along with steering wheel paddle shifters. We did engage sport mode quite often but never found it necessary to shift for ourselves – the GTI handled that splendidly.

Our tester arrived in the S trim package complete with cool Clark plaid cloth interior seat covers. There was still plenty of leather to go around in other areas of the spacious cabin and the front bucket sport seats were very supportive. There are also some nice GTI highlights of red ambient lighting and illuminated door sills along with aluminum finishes for the pedals. We enjoyed the new MIB II touchscreen infotainment system that includes VW Car-Net connected services.

Exterior styling was upgraded for this seventh-generation car and the striking new front end hints toward something in an Audi showroom. The Golf GTI gets red-colored horizontal highlight on the grille along with standard LED foglights in the lower fascia. There are red-painted brake calipers inside the 18-inch alloy wheels shod with summer performance tires and the car is finished with rear spoiler, GTI bumpers, and other exterior trim.

Pricing for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI begins at $24,995 for the S 2-Door model with our S 4-Door arriving with a final sticker of $27,515. Fuel economy is rated at 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Your mileage may vary as mine most certainly did.

The Golf GTI embodies the heart and soul of the hot hatch and has long been the benchmark for other manufacturers. Plenty of power on demand, balanced ride and handling with just enough spring in the suspension to handle cornering without jarring your teeth, and comfort and convenience in a compact space with cargo room in the rear for the gear. The spirit of driving is alive and well in this one and I join GTI in thumbing its nose at all those autonomous bots around the globe.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/12/02/2016-volkswagen-golf-gti-is-the-real-hot-hatch/feed/03717062017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland: JGC Just Keeps Getting Betterhttps://geardiary.com/2016/11/20/2017-jeep-grand-cherokee-overland-jgc-just-keeps-getting-better/
https://geardiary.com/2016/11/20/2017-jeep-grand-cherokee-overland-jgc-just-keeps-getting-better/#respondSun, 20 Nov 2016 20:00:16 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=371006It has been no secret that the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been one of my favorite vehicles in recent years. The latest platform is very stable and solid both on road and off despite the model line going to unibody chassis. Our recent Overland tester showed some nice (and needed) upgrades to the JGC line. …]]>

It has been no secret that the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been one of my favorite vehicles in recent years. The latest platform is very stable and solid both on road and off despite the model line going to unibody chassis. Our recent Overland tester showed some nice (and needed) upgrades to the JGC line.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee/Images courtesy Jeep

The first noticeable change for me was the new shifter. I had been critical of the Jeep Grand Cherokee electronic shifter since its arrival several years back and since then Jeep has seen some trouble with that item. The new Grand Cherokees now feature what Jeep calls a polystable shifter in the center console. It is more traditional while also being easier to operate and there is no more confusion as to what gear you are truly in. Our Overland tester arrived with a Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine that sees a slight bump in power rating to 296hp over the previous 3.6. And all V-6 JGCs get Jeep’s engine stop-start technology for added fuel savings. Thankfully this is a feature that can be overridden in the Grand Cherokee as I am not a fan of the engine starting and stopping in traffic. Sure, it works OK but it is not for me.

All new Jeep Grand Cherokee models have engines mated to the TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission and there are four 4×4 systems available along with an optional Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain traction management system. Our Overland tester arrived with both of these latter features and was outfitted with the Quadra-Trac II 4×4 system. We also enjoyed the upgraded 20-inch tech gray aluminum wheels with all season tires.

Inside the new Jeep we enjoyed leather seating with heated and ventilated front buckets along with the availability of heat in the steering wheel. A technology upgrade package brought the base premium audio system from nine speakers/506-watts to 19 Harman Kardon speakers with subwoofer and 825-watt amplifier. The Jeep Active Safety Group package also brought us adaptive cruise control with stop feature, advanced brake assist, full speed forward collision warning, LaneSense lane departure warning, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and blind spot and cross path detection. Basically we were swimming in safety.

Driving on the highway I noticed an indicator in the instrument panel that read “aero” that told me the air suspension system detects highway travel and automatically lowers the vehicle slightly for better aerodynamics and some improved fuel economy as well. Speaking of fuel economy, the Jeep Grand Cherokee with V-6 is rated for 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

The V-6 is a perfect mate for this midsize SUV. It offers more than ample power around town or on the highway and operates fairly quiet and smooth, nothing like the engines before the days of Pentastar. The Grand Cherokee is quite maneuverable in urban congestion as well as out on a mountain trail, almost surprisingly so. There are times when I had to be careful not to turn too sharply, especially into and out of parking spaces. The ride is very comfortable thanks to that aforementioned air suspension and it is very well controlled when turning the steering wheel to follow the course of a winding road. In offroad mode, the air suspension can provide up to 10.4 inches ground clearance for a water-fording depth of 20 inches.

Pricing for this 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland model begins at $47,695 with our tester arriving with a final sticker of $51,775. Overland sits about in the middle of the Grand Cherokee trim lineup that includes Laredo, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and SRT.

Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever and after spending another week behind the wheel of it I can easily see why the automotive press loves this vehicle. Ditto.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/11/20/2017-jeep-grand-cherokee-overland-jgc-just-keeps-getting-better/feed/03710062017 GMC Acadia Is Downsizing Done Righthttps://geardiary.com/2016/11/18/2017-gmc-acadia-is-downsizing-done-right/
https://geardiary.com/2016/11/18/2017-gmc-acadia-is-downsizing-done-right/#respondFri, 18 Nov 2016 23:00:36 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=370917Honey, I shrunk the Acadia. Those were my exact thoughts when I first saw the redesigned 2017 Acadia three-row family crossover from GMC. And I kept thinking that when I learned it was powered by a four-cylinder engine. Can this new model fill the shoes of its previous generation? Yes…and no. Gone is some 700 …]]>

Honey, I shrunk the Acadia. Those were my exact thoughts when I first saw the redesigned 2017 Acadia three-row family crossover from GMC. And I kept thinking that when I learned it was powered by a four-cylinder engine. Can this new model fill the shoes of its previous generation?

2017 GMC Acadia/Images courtesy GMC

Yes…and no. Gone is some 700 pounds that designers and engineers shaved off the outgoing Acadia when arriving at the 2017 model, but also gone (in the base model) is two engine cylinders and cargo space at the rear. While the new Acadia’s fuel economy has risen I still do not wish to give up engine displacement when I may be hauling up to six or passengers. Why can’t automakers give us turbocharged fours in these family haulers? To be totally fair, though, GMC does offer a V-6 in the Acadia still. More on engines later.

The styling of the new Acadia does show us the new face of GMC and there are still three rows of seating available in the 2017. Seating configurations can be 2-3-2 or, as in our tester, 2-2-2 – an arrangement preferred by this reviewer and, more importantly, his wife (grandmother of three – no, four – no, how many grandkids are there now?). She does not necessarily like the third-row seats that bring the rear glass close to the heads of those rear seat occupants – and the 2017 Acadia is now one of those.

The 2017 Acadia is described as a contemporary crossover designed for families on the go. Bodylines are clean and somewhat sleeker, further separating it from the bulky Yukon frame-based sport ute and further splitting the showroom. Overall, the new Acadia is shorter and narrower, therefore making it more maneuverable. It feels lighter driving down the road while still offering very good balance and stance. On acceleration, there is a bit of grunt from the smaller engine as one would expect. And with only two adults and minimal cargo the base engine does provide adequate power and acceleration – not to mention the wonderful surprise of better-than-rated fuel economy on the highway.

The new base engine for the 2017 Acadia is a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder with direct injection. It produces 193hp and 188 lb. ft. of torque and is mated to the Hydra-Matic 6T50 six-speed automatic transmission. The new Acadia is offered in front- or all-wheel drive and rides on choice of 18- or 20-inch wheels and tires. The EPA fuel economy rating for our FWD tester in SLT-1 trim was 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. During our testing we achieved 28 mpg on the highway and we were not trying to win any green driving awards. The V-6 engine available is 3.6-liters, rated at 310hp, and can still manage to tow up to 4,000 lbs.

There is a host of new technology in the new Acadia, perhaps foremost is the rear seat reminder, which alerted me to the possibility of the grandkids being in the back seat numerous times. The vehicle senses when access is made to the rear of the Acadia prior to one driving evolution. When the engine is shut off there is an audible and visual alert to remind the driver to check the rear of the vehicle for occupants. Also new this model year is front pedestrian braking, low-speed automatic braking, forward automatic braking, following distance indicator, Intellibeam automatic high-beam control, surround vision camera system, safety alert seat, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and front and rear parking assist.

Interior design has been updated as well and like the outgoing model there is ample leg- and headroom with the second-row seats featuring fore/aft sliding allowing for more space for those relegated to that third row. And while I would not wish to ride back there for very long, the third row will accommodate average-sized adults. With both second and third-row seating folded flat, Acadia offers 79 cubic feet of overall cargo space. There is a storage bin at the rear of the front center console where kids can store toys, etc. and all rows of seating offer USB charge ports for electronic devices.

All of GM’s latest infotainment technology is available in the 2017 Acadia including Teen Driver Report Card as well as 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and 8-inch color touchscreen with navigation and Intellilink featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

Thankfully, GMC shrunk the pricing for the 2017 GMC Acadia along with its size. The base Acadia begins at $29,995 (down from $31,900 last year) with trim levels offered in SL, SLE, SLT, All Terrain, and Denali. Our SLT-1 tester arrived with a final sticker of $40,515.

I had my misgivings when I first climbed behind the wheel of the 2017 GMC Acadia as I had no problems with the previous generation whatsoever. The downsizing places the new Acadia more in the middle between Terrain and Yukon now, so Acadia will stop cannibalizing sales from the mighty sport ute. And truth be told, this new Acadia is probably better for the masses especially in terms of maneuverability. It is very comfortable and as we found, the little four-banger is quite capable while also delivering better gas mileage. This is the new Acadia, whether we like it or not (and yes, we do like it).

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/11/18/2017-gmc-acadia-is-downsizing-done-right/feed/03709172017 Buick LaCrosse: Buick Is Back in a Big Wayhttps://geardiary.com/2016/11/02/2017-buick-lacrosse-buick-is-back-in-a-big-way/
https://geardiary.com/2016/11/02/2017-buick-lacrosse-buick-is-back-in-a-big-way/#respondWed, 02 Nov 2016 21:00:55 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=370212Buick is back, and this IS a Buick. After years of marketing folks telling us what was not one of its models, Buick is alive and well in the large sedan – and sporting its new corporate face – in the form of the 2017 Buick LaCrosse. The all-new LaCrosse is longer, lower, and wider …]]>

Buick is back, and this IS a Buick. After years of marketing folks telling us what was not one of its models, Buick is alive and well in the large sedan – and sporting its new corporate face – in the form of the 2017 Buick LaCrosse.

2017 Buick LaCrosse/Images courtesy Buick

The all-new LaCrosse is longer, lower, and wider than the model it replaces yet it is some 300 pounds lighter (thanks largely to press-hardened and high strength steels) and offers more power from a new V-6 under its hood that is mated to new eight-speed automatic transmission with several fuel-saving initiatives. Best of all, this car rides and drives like a Buick, and it accomplishes that all the while being quieter and more comfortable to boot.

The new LaCrosse starts out up front with a new grille design with a large opening set off with the Buick tri-color insignia accented by wing-shaped elements against darkened waterfall grille bars. The front wheels have been pulled forward a bit and the wheelbase is stretched 2.7 inches over the previous car. The wheels have all been pushed outward – 1.3 inches up front and 1.1 inches in the rear – and the roofline has been lowered 1.6 inches giving the car a sleeker look. The Buick’s signature sweepspear body-side design element has been reinterpreted in a more modern fashion for 2017 that enhances the car’s sculpture.

Inside is near luxury both in proportions and craftsmanship. I have not been able to really enjoy accommodation such as this inside a sedan in quite some time. The car will fit five adults in full comfort with amenities including heated and ventilated seats up front (with quicker warm-up on cold mornings) along with – wait for it – massage function. Yes, massage function. I got a massage driving home from work every day and there were times I stayed just a little longer inside the car even after reaching my destination. The new LaCrosse also features a power rear sunshade, heated steering wheel with power tilt/telescopic column, perforated leather seats, premium Bose audio system, wider-opening rear doors, and a trunk that can fit up to four golf bags.

Buick utilizes its QuietTuning process in the new LaCrosse to include new five-link rear suspension for improved isolation from road noise, active noise cancellation, acoustic wheelhouse liners, acoustic-laminated windshield and front side windows, triple-sealed doors, improved body noise-path sealing, and windshield wipers that park below the hood line to reduce wind noise.

Let’s talk about what is under the hood of the new LaCrosse. Buick has developed a new second-generation 3.6-liter V-6 engine with direct injection and dual overhead cams. It features active fuel management (cylinder deactivation) along with stop/start technology to deliver fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway – all the while producing 305 hp and 268 lb. ft. of torque. The new eight-speed automatic gearbox offers near seamless gear shifting and the auto stop/start function on this vehicle is the smoothest application of this technology we have tested to date.

Driving the 2017 Buick LaCrosse has you feeling like you are behind the wheel of a large luxury sedan. The road is isolated just enough to provide that sort of floating sensation when rolling down the road but as soon as the course bends, LaCrosse’s continuous damping control kicks in and provides damping at each corner to tackle the twists and turns. And drivers can select from Touring and Sport modes should they wish to take more control themselves.

Pricing for the 2017 Buick LaCrosse begins at $32,990 – quite the bargain considered how well this big sedan competes against luxury models on the market today. Our Premium tester arrived with a final sticker of $48,495 fully loaded. We tested a front-wheel drive LaCrosse and Buick has plans to release an AWD model as well.

Buick is back in a bigger way with the 2017 LaCrosse sedan. It may feature the new face of the automaker – along with a host of new technologies – but this is the Buick so many had come to love and respect in the past and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/11/02/2017-buick-lacrosse-buick-is-back-in-a-big-way/feed/03702122017 Nissan Titan: Now Arriving in an All-New Half-Ton Packagehttps://geardiary.com/2016/10/24/2017-nissan-titan-now-arriving-in-an-all-new-half-ton-package/
https://geardiary.com/2016/10/24/2017-nissan-titan-now-arriving-in-an-all-new-half-ton-package/#respondMon, 24 Oct 2016 23:00:33 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=369784Nissan has finally rolled out the remainder of its Titan pickup line. Last model year we saw the first new Titan to roll off the assembly lines and it arrived in a 5/8-model branded Titan XD and powered by a Cummins diesel engine. For 2017 we see the half-ton models arriving with the V-8 gas …]]>

Nissan has finally rolled out the remainder of its Titan pickup line. Last model year we saw the first new Titan to roll off the assembly lines and it arrived in a 5/8-model branded Titan XD and powered by a Cummins diesel engine. For 2017 we see the half-ton models arriving with the V-8 gas engines.

2016 Nissan Titan/Images courtesy Nissan

The Titan half-ton truck appears nearly identical to the XD but arrives some 14.7 inches shorter and is about a foot shorter in wheelbase, and the two chassis’ are different as well. Nissan delivered the 2017 Titan in PRO-4X Crew Cab form for our week behind the wheel. The V-8 engine size remains the same as the previous titan at 5.6-liters displacement but power has been significantly upgraded – now 390hp and 394 lb. ft. torque. A V-6 will arrive later in the model year along with new Single and King Cab variants. The V-8 is mated to a new 7-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and manual shift buttons on the gear stalk.

There are actually three levels of PRO-4X packages added to our test truck and they include utility/tow package, convenience package, and luxury package. Each carries its own set of amenities along with tacking a few more dollars onto the bottom line. What was quite surprising was the sticker price. The 2017 Titan half-ton truck is priced a significant bit higher than the truck it replaces. The last Titan PRO-4X Crew Cab we tested a couple of years ago arrived with a final sticker in the mid-40s. This 2017, similarly equipped, rolls off the lot at $52,305. To be fair, there is a bit more technology arriving on the 2017 model including blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert but this truck is only about a grand less than the Ram 1500 Rebel we recently tested and that truck clearly outperforms this Titan.

While some things are familiar in this new Titan pickup, many other items and components are not. Leading that latter list is styling. This is the new look for Nissan’s big vehicles, and the all-new 2017 Armada full-size SUV is arriving with similar looks and features. For me, the jury is still out on my fondness for the updated style. At certain angles I like the 2017 Titan but then I walk around the truck a little bit more and I kind of retract my earlier sentiments. Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder, so let’s just skip forward to the test drive.

Climbing in the new Titan I quickly realize Nissan forgot to add side steps or step rails to its new PRO-4X truck. If you give me a truck with beefier tires and suspension you had better outfit it with convenient entry/egress equipment. While there is a traditional ignition key supplied with the keyfob, this Titan has push-button (and remote) start. The engine fires and it speaks Nissan Titan, as in it belches a throaty exhaust note at the rear. And thank you Nissan for including a traditional stalk shifter. Knobs are cute and electronic gear sticks may be the wave of the future but in a truck I will take mine with tradition. The PRO-4X brings leather seating with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. There is ample head and legroom in both rows with the truck seating five adults comfortably.

My first few spins down the road in the bigger Titan XD made me a firm believer that Nissan was ready to take on the industry. After my first day in the Titan half-ton I was less impressed. Sorry Nissan, but there is a bit of vibration and wobble in the front end that was almost always present. I could feel it in the steering wheel, as if the front end wanted to walk out on its own at times. Perhaps this is rookie jitters and they can overcome this in future models, but as I have tested every other half ton pickup on the market in recent years, this new Titan came in last in the on-road testing. Granted, I give allowances for such components as Bilstein shocks and all-terrain tires but I have experienced these items in other trucks – including several models of Nissan’s very own first-gen Titan – and this 2017 comes in behind all those.

The truck rides quiet and does a decent job of eliminating road noise and perhaps the attention to detail in these areas have amplified what may have always been there just not as present. At highway speeds I also picked up a bit of vibration in the seat bottom, thinking this was coming from the rear tires or suspension and compounding with whatever the front end was signaling to me. The symptoms were subtle, but they were present. Cranking up the riotous Rockford Fosgate premium audio system helped mask some of these issues somewhat. On imperfect city streets this was one of the bounciest 4x4s I have tested in recent years, even more so than the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Hard Rock we tested not too long ago.

By the numbers, the 2017 Nissan Titan PRO-4X 4WD Crew Cab has a base MSRP $45,020 with this tester arriving at $52,305. Fuel economy for the updated Endurance 5.6-liter V-8 is 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Around town we averaged a mere 11.2 mpg.

The all-new 2017 Nissan Titan half-ton is a truck, pure and simple, and makes no excuses for it. It drives like a truck and rides like a truck, and yes, it works like a truck. Where so many truck makers have gone to extremes to make their new models appear almost limo-like, Nissan appears to have chosen the traditional path for the second-generation Titan fullsize pickup. And since the new Titan has already began garnering some honors I look forward to testing other variants in the lineup to see if they are more competitive with the current genre of light duty pickups on the market.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/10/24/2017-nissan-titan-now-arriving-in-an-all-new-half-ton-package/feed/03697842016 Ram 1500 Rebel Wins the ‘Put Up or Shut Up’ Argumenthttps://geardiary.com/2016/10/19/2016-ram-1500-rebel-wins-the-put-up-or-shut-up-argument/
https://geardiary.com/2016/10/19/2016-ram-1500-rebel-wins-the-put-up-or-shut-up-argument/#commentsWed, 19 Oct 2016 17:00:16 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=369610I saw the Ram 1500 Rebel at its debut during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2015 and kind of wondered to myself why it took Ram so long to offer an off-road package like this from the factory. It’s here, and its beauty is more than skin-deep. The new Ram 1500 …]]>

I saw the Ram 1500 Rebel at its debut during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2015 and kind of wondered to myself why it took Ram so long to offer an off-road package like this from the factory. It’s here, and its beauty is more than skin-deep.

2016 Ram 1500 Rebel/Images courtesy Ram

The new Ram 1500 Rebel is offered as a crew cab model only with 5-ft. 7-inch cargo box but can be ordered in 4×2 or 4×4 running gear and buyers can opt for either the 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine or the beefy 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI. Our recent tester arrived in 4×4 form with the 395hp HEMI motor. In my opinion, this is the only way the Ram 1500 Rebel should be outfitted but hey, I don’t work for Ram marketing.

If the new truck looks more rugged than a base Ram 1500 it is due to all the off-road goodies Ram is loading it up with. There is a factory 1-inch suspension lift, modified alignment of the front suspension, Bilstein front and rear shock absorbers, softer rear stabilizer bar, and beefy 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires mounted on new 17-inch silver and black cast aluminum wheels. Further enhancing the rugged looks is all blacked-out trim elements including front grille and fascia, mirrors, lower body panels, and wheel-arch moldings. At the rear, the Ram badge is replaced with a RAM stamped tailgate with blacked-out lettering. About the only chrome left on the new Rebel is the exhaust tips.

The interior of the Ram Rebel is treated to similar styling features including an all-black instrument panel with an iron gray metallic finish applied to the center stack and console. The seats are a high-durability technical grain vinyl finished in red and black with fabric inserts featuring an embossed Toyo tire tread pattern.

While the new truck boasts best-in-class ground clearance of 10.3 inches, it still utilizes Ram’s unique air suspension system to continue to offer one of the best riding experiences around. The truck is well-controlled and ever-so smooth over less than ideal road surfaces. You would not know you were riding in the Rebel if it wasn’t plastered all over the truck. And I really appreciate the automatic suspension lowering function on the keyfob for easier ingress/egress when loading and unloading passengers and cargo. Once you start driving, the truck will automatically raise back to normal height, and there is a driver-selectable mode inside the truck for off-road height as well.

By the numbers, the new Ram 1500 Rebel in 4×4 gear begins at $45,200. Our loaded tester arrived with a final sticker of $53,895 and the truck arrives with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Fuel economy is rated at 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway with the 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission. The truck has a 3.92 rear axle ratio with anti-spin rear differential, class IV receiver hitch with factory trailer brake controller, 4-corner air suspension, undercarriage skid plates, and Ram Box cargo management system with keyfob-locking side boxes and tailgate. Technology highlights include Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system and Alpine premium audio system with subwoofer.

So basically Ram has looked to what consumers are doing with their trucks as soon as they leave the dealer lots and offer a great number of these modifications from the factory, complete with warranty and financing. The Ram 1500 Rebel is the new obnoxious punk around town, and it can back up its smack talk with action.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/10/19/2016-ram-1500-rebel-wins-the-put-up-or-shut-up-argument/feed/1369610Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL: Carryalls that Carry Onhttps://geardiary.com/2016/10/16/chevy-suburban-and-gmc-yukon-xl-carryalls-that-carry-on/
https://geardiary.com/2016/10/16/chevy-suburban-and-gmc-yukon-xl-carryalls-that-carry-on/#respondSun, 16 Oct 2016 18:00:03 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=369402General Motors must think I have a large family or something, as they have sent me one version or another of their extra-large family sport ute (AKA Carryall). I admit I am a fan of the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL vehicles, but five in the test driveway over the past two years – …]]>

General Motors must think I have a large family or something, as they have sent me one version or another of their extra-large family sport ute (AKA Carryall). I admit I am a fan of the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL vehicles, but five in the test driveway over the past two years – overload, perhaps?

2016 GMC Yukon XL Denali/Images courtesy GMC

The big vehicle I affectionately call the “Prairie Schooner” has long been a favorite of mine and is getting ready to head into its 82nd year of production. Suburban is the longest continuously running nameplate in the industry and carries with it (along with all your family and gear) a well-deserved legacy. While it boasts all of GM’s newest technology it still manages to carry up to eight passengers and offers cavernous capacity (121.1 cubic feet to be exact) thanks to second and third rows of seating folding flat AND it can tow up to 8,300 lbs.

2016 Chevrolet Suburban/Images courtesy Chevrolet

The latest iteration of the GM Carryall arrived for the 2015 model year and featured quite a few upgrades along with the all-new styling. The rigs boast Generation III Ecotec engines and utilize aluminum in hoods and liftgate panels for reduced weight. They are more aerodynamic and now feature power folding third-row seats along with power liftgate and side running boards. They arrive in two- or four-wheel drive variants and even utilize the luxurious magnetic ride control for maximum comfort on the road. Front seat occupants are comforted by heated/ventilated seats and the driver can choose a heat function for the steering wheel as well.

Technology abounds inside the big rigs as GM offers the latest OnStar with 4G LTE and WiFi hotspot with up to six USB ports and six power outlets including 110V AC. Rear seat passengers can enjoy overhead monitors in second and third rows a la Blu-Ray DVD player or auxiliary inputs and up front the automaker utilizes a large 8-inch color touchscreen display (with hidden storage cubby accessed via motorized display panel). If that were not enough there is a device-charging pad in the top of the center console armrest.

For those comfortable with balance when their arms are loaded up and cannot reach the keyfob you can simply stand on one foot while waving the other underneath the rear fascia panel to open the liftgate hands-free. Now, if you are like my wife and just left work after a long day and your arms are full and you are still wearing your heels, I do not recommend this operation. (And for what it’s worth, this operation works in reverse to close the liftgate as well.)

We have enjoyed the Enhanced Driver Alert Package that has been included on some of the vehicles we have tested including the Suburban and Yukon XL models. While it adds power-adjustable pedals to the package it also features forward collision alert, intellibeam headlamps with automatic high-beam control, lane keep assist, and safety alert seat. I like the safety alert seat in particular as it vibrates the seat in the direction the hazard is approaching (left, right, or both sides if in front or – ahem – behind).

Driving these larger vehicles does require a bit more attention and some additional care as they occupy a larger footprint. While they handle and steer quite easily they do require a larger radius for turning and parking but the added seating height provides a better all-around view. Despite their size and weight they ride very stable and quiet and they do not lack for acceleration either for passing or entering freeways. The Suburban is outfitted with the Ecotec3 5.3-liter V-8 that generates 355hp and 383 lb. ft. of torque and in our 4×4 LTZ tester it was rated for 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The GMC Yukon XL features the 5.3-liter V-8 as standard but our Denali testers are powered by the 6.2-liter V-8 that puts out 420hp and 460 lb. ft. of torque with 4WD fuel economy rated at 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

All this size and capability does not come cheap by most standards. And when arriving in top trim level and fully loaded with all the bells and whistles from the factory they can shock some consumers with the bottom line of the window sticker. While most buyers opt for packages somewhere in the middle range, our testers in the press fleets usually arrive with nearly every feature the automakers offer so that we can evaluate as much as possible during our week behind the wheel. The most recent Suburban rolled in here with a final sticker of $77,270 and the last Yukon XL Denali we tested was listed at $81,045.

The big Carryalls from GM will carry on and carry forward as they have proved for more than 80 years there is a place and purpose for them. While many consumers are satisfied with shrinking engine sizes and platforms, some just prefer the real estate of a vehicle like the Suburban or Yukon XL and I find myself in that camp more and more, especially with every new grandchild announcement.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/10/16/chevy-suburban-and-gmc-yukon-xl-carryalls-that-carry-on/feed/03694022017 GMC Acadia Denali Test Drive: All About the Journey, Not Just the Destinationhttps://geardiary.com/2016/10/15/2017-gmc-acadia-denali-test-drive-all-about-the-journey-not-just-the-destination/
https://geardiary.com/2016/10/15/2017-gmc-acadia-denali-test-drive-all-about-the-journey-not-just-the-destination/#respondSat, 15 Oct 2016 17:00:25 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=369219I live in Texas, where huge pickups and SUVs are everywhere. Top of the line for either would have to be the GMC Denali, but you don’t have to be in a full-size Yukon or 4 door pickup to get the Denali package; you can also find it in the much more maneuverable, yet still …]]>

I live in Texas, where huge pickups and SUVs are everywhere. Top of the line for either would have to be the GMC Denali, but you don’t have to be in a full-size Yukon or 4 door pickup to get the Denali package; you can also find it in the much more maneuverable, yet still roomy, 2017 GMC Acadia Denali.

The Acadia gives truck toughness with more refined features and an aerodynamic look.

I recently spent some time informally road-tripping from Boston, Massachusetts to Bangor, Maine in a 2017 GMC Acadia Denali. Unlike other auto events where we start our driving day with an hour of marketing information and then we get three to five hours behind the wheel, this event was almost entirely spent driving; it was as much about the journey as the destination, which is why this write-up will read as a cross between a travelogue and my usual first drive post.

Day one saw me flying into the Boston airport and being driven to a nearby hotel where I met up with my driving partner, Helena Stone, a few other auto writers, and a small crew from GMC. We were given a quick overview of the vehicles we would be driving, and then we were turned loose to simply enjoy the Acadia Denali experience.

This is about as close as we got to Boston.

We were given a card that told us our first point of interest to navigate to, and with that Helena and I were off to Port Elizabeth, Maine, just outside of Portland, Maine. As we left Boston and eventually Massachusetts, we passed what had to be one of the largest pumpkins I’ve ever seen being hauled in the back of a pickup.

So many pumpkin pies …

There are a couple of things that I should mention right off the bat about the Acadia Denali; it’s a mid-size SUV crossover, so it is roomy and comfortable on the inside, but it’s not a huge vehicle to try to maneuver around in. The Denali package our vehicle had starts at $46,920; we were driving Acadias that were fully loaded with every bell and whistle, so I think the final price was probably closer to $53,000.

The Acadia Denali has real wood on the dash along with stitching and aluminum. Everything about the interior has a premium, and dare I say it — expensive — feel.

2017 All-New GMC Acadia Denali Interior

The driver’s seat was extremely comfortable; it was heated and vented, and the warmth really came in handy as it was chilly and wet for much of our trip. The heated steering wheel was also a nice feature, as I had forgotten to bring my gloves!

Inside the Acadia, there were USB ports in all three rows (it’s available in a 2,2,2 or 2,3,2 seating configuration), and there were generous storage cubby holes everywhere, including a pull-out drawer under the center console in the back, which was a handy place to stick a bag to catch trash.

The premium 8-speaker Bose stereo system had Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto), so plugging my iPhone into the front USB port immediately connected the car to my phone which made for easy navigation and music selection; everything was displayed on an 8″ diagonal touchscreen.

2017 All-New GMC Acadia Denali Infotainment

Our vehicle also had a built-in AT&T hotspot, and I was jealous to see that the car’s service consistently had more bars than my phone; it reminded me of the difference between old-school 5-watt bag phones and .5-watt cellphones.

We eventually made it to our first stop at Port Elizabeth, and while there we had time to check out the lighthouse …

photo courtesy of GMC

… and I got to try my first lobster roll ever from the food truck on location.

Looks good, right? It was.

It’s worth noting that the Acadia gets much better mileage than a full-size SUV. It’s rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway; I kept my eye on the instant miles per gallon reading while we were driving, and it seemed to consistently stay in the 22 – 23 mpg range.

The next destination card we were given sent us to the Press Hotel in Portland, Maine. If you’ve never been there, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. The Press Hotel is located in the building that used to house “the offices and printing plant of the Portland Press Herald, the state’s largest newspaper,” and there is a definite theme throughout the hotel that harkens back to the building’s roots.

One of the coolest art installations I’ve ever seen; typewriters mounted on the wall!

That evening, Helena and I had a little time to walk around before dinner, and it was fun finding store named for me.

The next morning, we loaded bags back into our car and headed for the next destination printed on a card, the wharf in Camden, Maine. On the way, the roads were slick as we were alternately drizzled and rained on. The Acadia felt very solid; it’s hard to explain, but the vehicle is light and nimble, yet it feels substantial and safe on the road.

The feature I probably liked the most was the “Safety Alert Seat”; it’s a safety option I can wholeheartedly recommend, as it got my attention when a car was in the lane next to me or a person was walking by our Acadia in a parking lot. Even when we had the stereo blasting or were distractedly talking, it was impossible to miss the vibrations under me. Other safety features included a forward camera, autobraking, 360º cameras with image stitching for a birds-eye view, and adaptive cruise control.

Perhaps the most impressive safety feature was Rear Seat Reminder. Basically, the second-row door would remember if you had opened it. After driving, when you turn off the engine, you’ll get a reminder to look in the back seat. Obviously, the hope here is to prevent accidentally leaving your child inside the car; if it saves one kid, then it is a feature worth adding.

This new feature is activated when a second-row door is opened and closed during or just before a trip. When Acadia is turned off, five audible chimes and a message in the driver information center remind you to check the second-row.

I also liked the dual SkyScape power sunroofs; having them gave the Acadia an open feel, making the inside of the vehicle seem even larger.

photo courtesy of GMC

Once we reached the Camden Harbor, we loaded into a lobster boat and took a short cruise.

We saw the two Camden lighthouses …

And we got to help bring in a lobster trap!

There’s a fish head in there for bait; it was nasty.

Inside we found two lobsters and a crab; that was another first for me. One lobster was too small to keep, so we threw it back; this one was a keeper. The female crab also went back into the bay.

Side note: In Camden, we learned that if a female lobster is caught with eggs on her tail, they will notch the second uropod (small tail fin) from the right. That way, if the lobster is caught later, the catcher will know that it is a reproducing female, and it will be released again. There is a tool that trappers use to measure lobsters that hooks in behind their eye and measures to the end of their carapace. If the lobster is too small it goes back, and if it is too large it also goes back.

Our next stop was the Camden Hills State Park for lunch. If you’ve never been to Camden, Maine and you have the chance to go, you should take it! The town is cute with lots of neat places to eat, shop, and plenty to see; the surrounding area is wooded and quite frankly gorgeous.

After lunch, we loaded into the Acadia again and headed to our next destination, Hadley Point Campground outside of Bar Harbor. This campground has spots for campers and tents, but they also have cabins you can rent. Helena and I were put in a cabin (with an excellent heater — yay!), and that’s about the closest I’ve come to camping since I was a teen; we called it glamping.

It rained that whole night, and it was still raining heavily when Helena and I headed out at 5am to drive to the Bangor airport, about an hour and a half away. It was nice to be able to use the remote start to get the car warm as we loaded it in the cold rain. On the road, once again, I felt safe and stable in the Acadia, driving in what were really not ideal driving conditions. The High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps were bright enough so that I could confidently see on the dark highway, and

On the road, once again, I felt safe and stable in the Acadia; we were driving in what were really not ideal driving conditions. The High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps were bright enough so that I could confidently see on the dark highway, and I felt secure while driving.

My biggest takeaway from the experience, beyond some Maine-related souvenirs, was that the 2017 GMC Acadia, specifically the AWD Acadia Denali, is an SUV that any busy family would be proud to own. It rides up to 7 comfortably, and it handles like a much smaller vehicle than it feels like you’re riding in. It is means of transportation that makes getting there as enjoyable as being there.

Disclosure: GMC paid for my travel, room, and meals; there were no conditions or expectations made regarding what I chose to write about with regard to my experience.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/10/15/2017-gmc-acadia-denali-test-drive-all-about-the-journey-not-just-the-destination/feed/03692192017 Kia Forte Sedan More Attractive with Mid-Cycle Updateshttps://geardiary.com/2016/10/06/2017-kia-forte-sedan-more-attractive-with-mid-cycle-updates/
https://geardiary.com/2016/10/06/2017-kia-forte-sedan-more-attractive-with-mid-cycle-updates/#respondThu, 06 Oct 2016 17:00:27 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=369053It was just three years ago that we reviewed the then all-new, second-generation Kia Forte sedan. We proclaimed our amazement at how far the Korean automaker had come in a relatively short time in this market, as well as just how good the new Forte was. Fast-forward to model year 2017 and the Kia Forte …]]>

It was just three years ago that we reviewed the then all-new, second-generation Kia Forte sedan. We proclaimed our amazement at how far the Korean automaker had come in a relatively short time in this market, as well as just how good the new Forte was. Fast-forward to model year 2017 and the Kia Forte gets a makeover.

2017 Kia Forte Sedan/Images courtesy Kia

The 2017 Kia Forte arrives in sedan, coupe, and five-door hatchback form as before but features even more European sport-sedan styling. There is a new front bumper and “tiger nose” grille integrated back to the headlights similar to big brother Optima and the car overall seems to have a more fluid appearance. Not to the extreme of corporate partner Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture theme but headed in that direction it would appear. There is still enough Kia left in the new Kia Forte styling and a new S trim level offers buyers an even sportier look. We recently tested the top trim level EX, and while this was still a small car, the Kia Forte always seemed to have big aspirations.

I don’t think Forte is going to steal any sales away from the Optima sedan, as that vehicle should be a top choice in that segment for consumers, but the compact has gotten a bit bigger in recent years and the new styling makes it almost seem as if you are driving a midsize car. Even the EPA rates the interior space of the new Forte as midsize while still riding on a compact chassis.

Another significant upgrade for model year 2017 is a larger base 2.0-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine. It replaces the 1.8-liter I-4 from previous models, and the new engine generates 147hp and 132 lb. ft. of torque. The confusing thing is that Kia offers an upgrade powertrain that is also led by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the form of a GDI (gas direct injection) engine. It makes 164hp and 151 lb. ft. of torque. Our EX tester featured the GDI motor mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

New looks and upgraded powertrains are just the start as the 2017 Kia Forte also receives a host of technology improvements and enhancements, most of which are available in the EX model. Advanced driver assistance technologies now offered include autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, and dynamic bending light headlamps. Other technology highlights include a 7-inch color touchscreen display hosting a suite of smartphone apps and functions including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with the latest UVO3 telematics.

Everything we liked about our first drives of this new generation Forte hold true in the upgraded 2017 model. It is comfortable, offers ample interior space for driver and occupants, features the latest infotainment features for convenience, and is nicely quiet and smooth driving in mixed road conditions. At some point, I would like to see Kia come through with a sportier powertrain for the Forte and perhaps we will see that in the next couple years as Hyundai just launched a little turbo in its small car. Pair it to a manual gearbox and Kia might just be able to go after the German automakers as well.

Pricing for the 2017 Kia Forte sedan begins at $16,490 for the base LX model with manual transmission. Our EX tester arrived with a blank space for final pricing but our math shows it to feature a starting MSRP of $21,200 and Kia added the premium plus package that costs $4,490. My ciphering brings that tally to $25,690. Fuel economy for the 2.0 GDI engine is 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Surprisingly that is not quite as good as some larger competitors.

I understand why automakers update vehicles in mid-cycle but we found nothing lacking in the total makeover from a few years ago. Even Kia admitted they were seeing rising sales of that model. Perhaps those numbers were not growing fast enough for the corporate number crunchers but there is nothing wrong with the new styling and the new tech is always welcome and the Forte is even more competitive (and more attractive to buyers) because of it.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/10/06/2017-kia-forte-sedan-more-attractive-with-mid-cycle-updates/feed/03690532016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock Edition Was a Blast!https://geardiary.com/2016/10/03/2016-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-rubicon-hard-rock-edition-was-a-blast/
https://geardiary.com/2016/10/03/2016-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-rubicon-hard-rock-edition-was-a-blast/#respondMon, 03 Oct 2016 22:00:07 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=368894Happy Anniversary, Jeep! Born in 1941, the iconic brand is celebrating 75 years of off-road toughness and its go anywhere, do anything attitude. We recently marked the stellar occasion by spending a week behind the wheel of a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock Edition as we celebrated our anniversary in the Texas Hill …]]>

Happy Anniversary, Jeep! Born in 1941, the iconic brand is celebrating 75 years of off-road toughness and its go anywhere, do anything attitude. We recently marked the stellar occasion by spending a week behind the wheel of a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock Edition as we celebrated our anniversary in the Texas Hill Country.

At first, I thought perhaps the Jeep might not be the ideal vehicle for a road trip but we soon learned many of the wineries we were going to visit in the new Texas Wine Country were on real Texas ranch land and the pavement ends at the front gates. These were ideal conditions for the Jeep, especially if Mother Nature decided to rear an ugly head.

The weather was fabulous and we even opened up the Sunrider soft top to further enjoy our time in the Jeep. Our tester was up to any situation we could throw at it. Surprisingly, the big mud tires were not too noisy and offered a smooth ride. The suspension never bounced us around too much and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited handled like a champ on paved surfaces and ranch roads alike. There were times when we were dodging wildlife and farm animals but the Jeep took it all in stride and proved to be a good choice for the trip.

Several years back Jeep switched to the new corporate Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine as the big motor for the Wrangler Unlimited models and its smooth operation and wide powerband never let us down. Being still somewhat of a squared-off body vehicle, fuel economy is not as high as sibling SUVs in the Jeep stable. We managed to get between 16 and 20 mpg in town and on the highway. Jeep offers a choice of six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic transmission in the Wrangler Unlimited and our tester featured the latter.

Some of the significant features that set the Hard Rock Edition apart from other Wranglers is the wide steel front bumper with removable end caps, rock slider side rails, red tow hooks front and rear, polished semi-gloss black alloy wheels (with red Jeep logos), black fuel filler door, premium Alpine audio system with subwoofer, heated leather seating, the aforementioned black Sunrider soft top, all-weather slush mats, and power dome hood with heat extractors. If I could change one thing I would opt out of the leather seats and go with something in a durable sport cloth.

Being a Jeep Wrangler, the doors and all soft-top panels are removable and the windshield still folds flat forward. We never went to that extreme this trip but we have enjoyed Wranglers open-air experience in the past and there is nothing else like it these days in a vehicle purchased right off the showroom floor.

The tire pressure monitor provided miles of worry-free driving and with the rear seats folds forward we were able to cram quite a bit of cargo in the back of the long Wrangler. Our tester also came with a 6.5-inch color touchscreen display complete with navigation, satellite radio, and SiriusXM Travel Link and Jeep also throws in a remote start system.

Thank you, Jeep, for being a part of our anniversary celebration and congratulations on 75 years of 4×4 leadership. The Rubicon Hard Rock Edition was a blast to drive and spend time in. We made many new friends on this trip and hope to bring you along on future travels to Texas Wine Country.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/10/03/2016-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-rubicon-hard-rock-edition-was-a-blast/feed/03688942016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Is the Jetta That Doeshttps://geardiary.com/2016/09/24/2016-volkswagen-jetta-gli-is-the-jetta-that-does/
https://geardiary.com/2016/09/24/2016-volkswagen-jetta-gli-is-the-jetta-that-does/#respondSat, 24 Sep 2016 19:00:32 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=368735Several months ago I reviewed the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta sedan. I liked the car but it was a sedate, average daily driver. Recently I received the Jetta GLI, and I gotta tell ya, where the Jetta 1.8T left off the GLI begins, and for 2016 the GLI gets some nice upgrades. Think of the GLI …]]>

Several months ago I reviewed the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta sedan. I liked the car but it was a sedate, average daily driver. Recently I received the Jetta GLI, and I gotta tell ya, where the Jetta 1.8T left off the GLI begins, and for 2016 the GLI gets some nice upgrades.

2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI/Images by Author

Think of the GLI as the sedan version of the fun little Golf GTI. It features sport-tuned suspension and a peppy 210hp 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged direct-injected four-cylinder engine. Oh, and you can get it with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Leading the enhancements for 2016 is more aggressive front fascia including new grille and foglights and a new rear bumper design with diffuser and dual chrome-tipped exhausts. It also gets 18-inch Mallory design aluminum alloy wheels with either all-season or summer performance tires.

Inside there is the new MIB 2 infotainment system featuring USB and Car-Net connectivity along with all the best Volkswagen has to offer in the Jetta lineup including the rocking Fender premium audio system. The GLI arrives in SE or SEL trim and our tester was of the latter, meaning it also included blind spot detection with rear traffic alert, adaptive front lighting, and navigation. All new GLI models get Volkswagen’s automatic post-collision braking system.

Pricing is $30,100 out the door for the GLI SEL model with the manual tranny, and if you want the DSG automatic tack on another grand. Fuel economy from the 210hp/207 lb. ft. torque 2.0T engine is 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Our tester arrived in fiery Tornado Red body paint. This thing looked fast just sitting still. The interior was black leather that was comfortable most of the time, but climbing in after work under the Texas summer sun it was a bit extreme. Here, I would prefer some type sport cloth seat material.

The 2016 VW Jetta GLI is a blast to drive and takes the mundane to a higher level. Suspension is quite stable without being too stiff, and the car handles well in the corners while remaining stable and smooth on mixed road surfaces. It accelerates quickly with long gear runout, and neither shifter nor clutch becomes overbearing. We found ourselves looking for longer routes to and from work just to get more of the fun driving experience. This is the Jetta that could – and does.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/09/24/2016-volkswagen-jetta-gli-is-the-jetta-that-does/feed/0368735Ram Power Wagon Right at Home in the Big Countryhttps://geardiary.com/2016/09/16/ram-power-wagon-right-at-home-in-the-big-country/
https://geardiary.com/2016/09/16/ram-power-wagon-right-at-home-in-the-big-country/#respondFri, 16 Sep 2016 19:00:00 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=368365As Ram and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles prepare to roll out a redesigned 2017 2500 Power Wagon this fall, they sent us a new 2016 version recently that we used for a weekend road trip visiting some out of the way places west of the sprawling Metroplex in North Texas. When I first learned I was …]]>

As Ram and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles prepare to roll out a redesigned 2017 2500 Power Wagon this fall, they sent us a new 2016 version recently that we used for a weekend road trip visiting some out of the way places west of the sprawling Metroplex in North Texas.

2016 Ram 2500 Power Wagon/Images by Author

When I first learned I was receiving the Power Wagon, I thought perhaps the paperwork had gotten shuffled as I had already reviewed the 2016 version less than a year ago. And truth be told, I was secretly wishing it was a pre-production unit of the 2017 that debuted earlier this year in Chicago. Alas, it was the MY2016, this time in the dark blue decal package, complete with big mudder tires and step rails.

With a couple hundred miles to endure, we hit the road in the beast of a truck headed west to “The Big Country” and areas once traveled by cattlemen of the old Chisholm Trail folklore. While we did not find ourselves driving down many old wagon routes, we did encounter highways and backroads loaded with a Texas-sized share of trucks hauling hay, horses, and cattle and performing all the modern-day duties required of the descendants of those early cattlemen (and women).

We encountered bouts of rain and shine during our trip, and the Ram Power Wagon was up to all the challenges. The higher seating position gave us the feeling similar to what the early settlers in this region must have felt from their positions holding the reins to their horses riding high in the saddle or in the seat of a covered wagon. To this day, there are still areas to our west where your breath is almost taken away as you crest a hill and view the countryside sprawled out before you. A Texas historic guidebook regales us with tales of yesteryear, when the early travelers to this region met with the longtime occupants. Some of those meetings were friendly…some were not.

We plodded on in the big Ram 2500, and as the miles ticked away we were amazed at just how smooth a ride this big truck offered. Shouldn’t a truck this size and with these capabilities be rattling our fillings loose? Not so, thanks to Ram engineers deciding to throw caution to the wind and change the rear suspension to a coil spring design as they had done in the light-duty Ram trucks years before. Blasphemy to truck traditionalists, but this new design offers the absolute smoothest ride in a three-quarter ton truck you will find. Some will counter that you lose towing capacity with this type suspension but in all honesty, not very many folks are towing heavy loads with their Power Wagons. Most of the farmers and ranchers we saw working with their trucks were using dual rear wheel trucks for those heavy loads.

The Ram Power Wagon is more than just a fancy package to make its owners feel like they have a macho truck. Sure, the decals and big tires add to the show, but with features such as a disconnecting front sway bar, 4.10 rear axle ratio, Ram Articulink suspension, fuel tank and transfer case skid plates, Tru-Lok front and rear axles, AND factory front electric winch, the Power Wagon is a true off-roading beast. Granted it is a little big for some of the public trails and parks open for such adventures but the Ram Power Wagon can hold its own and is designed and equipped better than the competition.

During our road trip, we got a chance to truly check out the fuel economy of this HEMI-powered beast despite such requirements not mandated by the feds. Under the hood of all Power Wagons is the 6.4-liter gasoline HEMI backed by a six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul and manual shift modes. The Ram also includes a factory trailer brake controller. Around town, we averaged 10.5 mpg in the 2500 and on the open road that improved to 17 mpg with no payload. These are numbers we expected, so there was no surprise or disappointment in the fuel economy department.

Inside our tester was the SLT trim package consisting of cloth seating surfaces in a 40/20/40 bench seat up front and 60/40-split folding bench in the rear. The usual in-floor storage bins were found underneath the second row floormats and a few of the other amenities we liked were the LED cargo bed lights, cargo box camera, remote locking tailgate, spray-in bedliner, step rails, 17-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires, and the Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system with large color touchscreen, navigation, premium audio system with satellite radio, and SiriusXM TravelLink with weather map that came in handy as we encountered bouts of precipitation during our travels.

Pricing for the 2016 Ram 2500 Power Wagon begins at $51,160 and is standard in Crew Cab 4×4 configuration. Our tester arrived with a final window sticker of $56,845.

The Ram Power Wagon is not the first vehicle that comes to mind when thinking “road trip”, but when following in the footsteps of the early settlers and the cattle hands moving livestock across a vast, open region it certainly can work to your advantage in the modern era. The Big Country beckoned, and the 2016 Ram Power Wagon answered the call perfectly.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/09/16/ram-power-wagon-right-at-home-in-the-big-country/feed/03683652016 Nissan Altima Gets New Looks, New Techhttps://geardiary.com/2016/09/08/2016-nissan-altima-gets-new-looks-new-tech/
https://geardiary.com/2016/09/08/2016-nissan-altima-gets-new-looks-new-tech/#respondThu, 08 Sep 2016 19:00:26 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=368107Nissan’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. just got better. For the 2016 model year, the automaker has given its Altima midsize sedan a mid-cycle refresh inside and out. The new look embraces Nissan’s new Energetic Flow design language first seen in Murano and Maxima, and Altima also receives some significant technology upgrades as well. Everything …]]>

Nissan’sbest-selling vehicle in the U.S. just got better. For the 2016 model year, the automaker has given its Altima midsize sedan a mid-cycle refresh inside and out. The new look embraces Nissan’s new Energetic Flow design language first seen in Murano and Maxima, and Altima also receives some significant technology upgrades as well.

2016 Nissan Altima/Images courtesy Nissan

Everything from the A-pillar forward is new on the 2016 Altima – fenders, hood, grille, headlights – and the new design also makes the sedan more aerodynamic, thus helping fuel economy, which sees a rise of 1 mpg thanks to Nissan’s efforts. The new Altima also features predictive forward collision warning, forward emergency braking, intelligent cruise control, and rear cross traffic alert.

Nissan says no area was left untouched in the significant redesign and they wanted to show they do not only pay attention to the growth in the crossover marketplace. They said the Altima has seen significant sales growth since 2009 and they want to keep that momentum going.

“The enhancements were made with input from our customers – a quieter ride, so we added extensive noise isolation features such as an acoustic-glass windshield,” said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. “They wanted more standard features, a more responsive driving feel, and more personal style – check, check, and check. This new Altima is the most dynamic, comfortable, and best-equipped midsize sedan we’ve ever built.”

Nissan says they put extensive time into reducing noise, vibration, and harshness but in our real-world testing we found the drive to be noisier than what would be expected in a midsize sedan. There was tire noise slightly above an acceptable level and we got wind noise from the front door side window frames where some rubber lining did not maintain its intended location (where the front of the glass meets the blind spot monitor indicator blocks). Aside from this we found the drive to be quite pleasant and the vehicle handles very stable and solid. One of the biggest surprises was just how well the four-cylinder engine holds up to real world driving situations.

Consumers can purchase the Altima with either a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that generates 182hp and 180 lb. ft. torque or move up to a 270hp 3.5-liter V-6. Our recent tester arrived with the 2.5 in SL trim. The engine was mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT gearbox and thankfully Nissan engineers have improved the response and performance of this transmission over the years. It no longer winds the engine up to an annoying rpm and hangs there like grandpa trying to clear his throat. The driving experience is smooth, quiet, and very responsive. We never found a need for more performance whether passing slower traffic or merging onto freeways.

Inside the 2016 Altima we find the new zero gravity design seats, although I still have yet to feel like an astronaut sitting in any of these new chairs. Despite that, the seating is very comfortable even on lengthy road trips and there is more than ample space for rear seat occupants. Our SL tester arrived with leather surfaces everywhere and some unique new wood pattern trim pieces. We enjoyed all the latest creature comforts expected in a sedan including 7-inch color touchscreen with navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio and TravelLink (I love to watch live weather radar inside the cars I test). A Bose premium audio system kept us entertained on our weekend road trip but I never found a need for the heated steering wheel as summer has not officially left the northern hemisphere yet. If there was one more thing I would have wanted in the Altima that would have been ventilated seats.

Pricing for the 2016 Nissan Altima sedan begins at $22,500 for the base 2.5 model. Our 2.5 SL tester arrived with a final sticker of $32,115 thanks to the power sliding sunroof add-on as well as the extensive technology package upgrade to include all the latest NissanConnect driver assistance services. Fuel economy is one of the highest in its class at 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. We drove for well over an hour before the gas gauge began to creep off of full.

Nissan has updated just about everything in the 2016 Altima with the exception of the powertrain and chassis, stopping just short of calling this a next-generation model. It is easy to see why this is the automaker’s best-selling vehicle here and with the improvements to styling, content, technology, and other areas it should remain a sales champ while also giving competitors a real run for their money.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/09/08/2016-nissan-altima-gets-new-looks-new-tech/feed/03681072016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Offers Another Compact Crossover Choicehttps://geardiary.com/2016/09/05/2016-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-offers-another-compact-crossover-choice/
https://geardiary.com/2016/09/05/2016-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-offers-another-compact-crossover-choice/#respondMon, 05 Sep 2016 18:00:28 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=367983Mitsubishi has given its crossover utility lineup a makeover. The Outlander and Outlander Sport each feature new styling and new content to make them more competitive in the very crowded utility segment. We recently tested the Outlander Sport GT and found the new little Mitsubishi to be a pleasant surprise. This “other” Japanese automaker still …]]>

Mitsubishi has given its crossover utility lineup a makeover. The Outlander and Outlander Sport each feature new styling and new content to make them more competitive in the very crowded utility segment. We recently tested the Outlander Sport GT and found the new little Mitsubishi to be a pleasant surprise.

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport/Images courtesy Mitsubishi

This “other” Japanese automaker still sells vehicles in the U.S., even though you can count the number of models in the showroom on one hand. The Outlander Sport resides in the compact utility segment that is highly competitive but suits the automaker well, as almost all Mitsubishi models are under midsized these days.

Leading the model year changes is the new corporate Dynamic Shield front fascia and grille along with new wheel lip moldings and a few other refinements. Inside, Mitsubishi gives the Outlander Sport a new steering wheel, new seat fabrics, 6.1-inch display audio system, new rearview mirror, and new color options all around. Powering the cute ute are two four-cylinder engines: The base 148hp 2.0-liter MIVEC and the optional 168hp 2.4-liter MIVEC. These are mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a Sportronic CVT. Our GT tester had the latter in each case here and included steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The Outlander Sport is available in two-wheel drive and all-wheel control variants with primary power arriving via the front wheels. Fuel economy ranges from 22-24 mpg city and 27-31 mpg highway depending on engine and running gear. Our tester was right in the middle with 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The 2.4-liter engine was very peppy and the CVT gearbox kept it running at optimum powerband around town and on the open road. While I have not been a real fan of continuously variable transmissions we never found this unit to rev too high or get too harsh in the driving experience. Engineers have brought CVTs a long way since their inception.

We found our time in the Outlander Sport to be surprisingly pleasant. I expected a cheap box of scrap metal and this was everything but. Fit and finish was above grade and the content and design never disappointed. We ran around on stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, had more than ample room in the rear for grocery runs, and were always enjoying the rocking 710-watt RockfordFosgate premium audio system with subwoofer. The display audio system featured SiriusXM satellite radio, app suite, and rearview camera. Would like to see navigation added to this package.

Interior refinements are set off by leather seating surfaces and tilt/telescopic steering wheel as well as aluminum pedals. Overhead is a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade and mood lighting. Seating is comfortable and there is ample room for four adults but the Outlander Sport will seat up to five.

Pricing for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport begins at $19,595 for a base ES model and goes up to $29,195 for the GT AWC. Our tester arrived with a final sticker of $26,845 in GT 2WD trim. Only the very base model comes with the five-speed manual transmission, all other Outlander Sports are fitted with the CVT and GT models receive the paddle shifters.

As I said, we were truly impressed with the quality of this little runabout and enjoyed our week behind the wheel. On road it was very quiet and drove quite stable, even through our usual set of twists and turns each day. The powertrain always had us able to step right into the powerband when needed yet settled into blissful harmony as driving conditions turned more tranquil. If you are shopping the compact crossover segment be sure to seek out the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport for an alternate choice!

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/09/05/2016-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-offers-another-compact-crossover-choice/feed/03679832016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Finally!https://geardiary.com/2016/08/29/2016-toyota-rav4-hybrid-finally/
https://geardiary.com/2016/08/29/2016-toyota-rav4-hybrid-finally/#respondMon, 29 Aug 2016 22:00:08 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=367686What do you get when you drop a Toyota RAV4 body on a Prius powertrain? The RAV4 Hybrid. And surprisingly, even though both RAV4 and Prius have been on the market for some time, it was not until this past year Toyota put the two together to form the newest gas/electric hybrid vehicle in its …]]>

What do you get when you drop a Toyota RAV4 body on a Prius powertrain? The RAV4 Hybrid. And surprisingly, even though both RAV4 and Prius have been on the market for some time, it was not until this past year Toyota put the two together to form the newest gas/electric hybrid vehicle in its showroom.

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid/Images courtesy Toyota

RAV4 was a pioneer on the crossover utility vehicle segment and Prius paved the way for much hybrid development over the years, but Toyota had never built a RAV4 Hybrid until the 2016 model year. Even Ford had a compact crossover hybrid, but Toyota only put a hybrid powertrain in its Highlander crossover. Being so late to the game with the RAV4 Hybrid and with gas prices remaining low, will anyone even care?

The RAV4 is a very popular vehicle and a hybrid variant should prove to find approval from segment buyers. RAV4 was completely overhauled a few years ago and for 2016 all models get styling and content updates along with the new Hybrid model being added to the lineup. We recently tested the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid in XLE AWD trim and it was everything we expected – a cross between the RAV4 and the Prius.

I liked the hybrid operation in the RAV4 and the AWD system gave the vehicle more grip, while the electric component gave the vehicle a bit more zip over its gasoline-only sibling. If I had to find one quibble with the new crossover it would be the performance of the fuel-efficient tires as they make a bit more noise and bring a little more vibration into the vehicle.

At the heart of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system is a 2.5-liter Atkinson four-cylinder gas engine mated to a small high-torque electric motor. The two are joined in the transaxle and they bring a combined power rating of 194hp. A second electric motor drives the rear wheels for improved traction. The RAV4 Hybrid can operate in gas or electric modes or a combination of both. The vehicle can operate as an EV only up to speeds of 25 mph. Regenerative braking is employed so that energy can be captured during braking and directed back to the nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery pack.

Some of the new safety tech that debuted on the 2016 RAV4 includes Toyota Safety Sense with automated pre-collision braking. Also included is forward collision warning, automatic emergency brake, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, pedestrian pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, blind spot mirror, and rear cross traffic alert. There is also the new Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan that gives a 360-degree view around the vehicle and alerts drivers to potential hazards or obstacles.

The interior is spacious and comfortable and very little room is given up in the Hybrid models to accommodate the battery pack in the rear. The cabin is quiet and our test model featured the Entune premium audio system with navigation and app suite, all available via the 7-inch high-resolution color touchscreen display. Siri Eyes Free has been added for 2016 and occupants will be entertained by the JBL premium audio system with 576-watts playing through 11 JBL Green Edge speakers.

Pricing for the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid begins at $28,730 with this tester arriving with a final sticker of $29,795. Fuel economy is rated at 34 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Remember: the Hybrid Synergy Drive systems operate more on electric power around town and therefore get much better fuel economy in urban driving, not to mention greatly reduced emissions.

So will Toyota see acceptance of the new RAV4 Hybrid so long after introducing both RAV4 and Prius? Of course they will, and this is the version you will want to purchase if you spend most of your time urban/congested driving as the gas only model gets the same fuel economy on the highway as the hybrid. RAV4 began the crossover utility craze and Toyota looks to remain a leader in the segment with this newest member of its hybrid family!

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/08/29/2016-toyota-rav4-hybrid-finally/feed/03676862017 Kia Cadenza: First Drive of Kia’s Upgraded Luxury Sedan in the Virginia Mountainshttps://geardiary.com/2016/08/20/2017-kia-cadenza-first-drive-of-kias-upgraded-luxury-sedan-in-the-virginia-mountains/
https://geardiary.com/2016/08/20/2017-kia-cadenza-first-drive-of-kias-upgraded-luxury-sedan-in-the-virginia-mountains/#respondSat, 20 Aug 2016 21:30:10 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=367108This week, along with a number of other auto writers, I attended the national press introduction to the 2017 Kia Cadenza in Middleburg, Virginia. The only things that made the heat and humidity bearable were the beauty of our surroundings and the fun we had while driving Kia’s second-generation four-door sedan. In 1994, Kia introduced the …]]>

This week, along with a number of other auto writers, I attended the national press introduction to the 2017 Kia Cadenza in Middleburg, Virginia. The only things that made the heat and humidity bearable were the beauty of our surroundings and the fun we had while driving Kia’s second-generation four-door sedan.

Photo courtesy of Kia

In 1994, Kia introduced the Sportage and Sephia; their marketers will readily tell you that in 2001, they were rated dead last in the JD power Initial Quality Study (IQS); they were behind brands like Saab, Oldsmobile, Scion, Saturn, Isuzu, and Suzuki. Kia kept investing, adding new products to their portfolio, and in 2005 they were the 14th largest automotive brand in the United States, ranked 30th out of 36 brands on the JD Power IQS. They have slowly improved and expanded their lineup. Kia recognized that they didn’t have a dedicated design, there wasn’t any consistency to their brand; they recognized that in order to move their brand forward and compete in the global marketplace, they had to do something.

So the company developed a strategy built around five tenets:

They had to invest heavily into the brand

They had to focus on quality — that would be the differentiator

They had to strengthen the brand

They had to elevate the ownership experience

They had to identify and enter new segments for growth

With those tenets in mind, they hired Peter Schreyer, formerly of Audi, with the intent of putting together a team to develop a consistency of design throughout the brand. Peter and his team came up with Kia’s “brand DNA”, and what they affectionately call the “tiger nose grill”.

In 2007, Kia built a dedicated design studio at their Irvine, California campus. Up until this point, Kia and Hyundai designers were sharing the same facilities. In 2010, Kia’s European studio opened, and in 2014 a dedicated Kia studio opened in Korea.

In 2010, Kia introduced their extremely popular mid-size Optima sedan (we’ve writtenabout severalof themhere); it was described by Esquire magazine as “the most gorgeous car under $20,000”; and Kia feels that it is the vehicle that transformed their brand the most; it really resonated with consumers.

After introducing the Optima, people said they wanted something a little bit bigger, a little more refined; the Cadenza was introduced in 2013, and I was there to drive it. In 2014, Kia came out with their even larger K900 as part of their strategy looking for new segments to enter into. Other OEMs were coming down into the space that Kia had traditionally occupied, so they “said to themselves, ‘why can’t we move up; why can’t we go into their space?'”

June 21, 2016, Kia was ranked number one on the JD Power IQS; this is the first time in 27 years that a non-luxury brand has held the top spot. Only one other non-luxury-brand has ever held that spot — and that was Toyota, many years ago.

Kia’s dedicated focus on quality and constant refinement of their product are what has led them to this place. Bridging the gap between the Kia Optima and the Kia K900, the Cadenza is aimed at those who want a larger luxury sedan with all the amenities.

If you find the Optima to be a little too “youthful”, you’ll like that the Cadenza sits a bit more upright, and it has a larger interior for a “more traditional buyer”. It has a V6 engine as opposed to a turbo-charged 4 cylinder, and it has “more sophisticated up-level amenities compared to the Optima”.

The Kia Cadenza “is a car that your dad can feel cool in, but you won’t mind driving yourself.” Featuring clean-cut, masculine elegance, the new Cadenza has a sleek profile without any interior compromises. Kia was able to add a wider wheelbase, they pulled the rear glass back, and in the process, they gave it a more dramatic profile.

While the new Cadenza has the same overall length as the outgoing model, it’s slightly wider and lower in height. The wheelbase has been stretched slightly, contributing to nearly a half-inch of increased leg room for rear passengers. Achieving Cadenza’s sportier profile was achieved by extending the roofline rearward more than two inches, while maintaining rear headroom and slightly improving trunk space.

Here is the 2014 Kia Cadenza for comparison

The 2017 Cadenza has a newly designed front fascia, and its “tiger nose” grill has evolved into a new hexagonal shape “that emphasizes the Cadenza’s visual width with lines extending underneath the headlights. But the more substantial change to the front end is the distinct concave grille, which curves in toward the engine bay, giving the Cadenza its handsomely chiseled face.”

At first glance, you’ll notice the front end of the car; it has a “handsome, well-mannered attitude.”

The new Cadenza is available with two different grilles. “Lower trim models will come with the “Diamond Butterfly” front grille that features the same three-dimensional pattern as several siblings within the Kia lineup, but with its own unique appearance thanks to the curved form. Higher trim models will come with the “Intaglio” grille, featuring vertically oriented, faceted blades.”

We were driving the Kia Cadenza SXL which starts below $44,000 plus an $895 destination charge.

LED technology within newly designed “piano key” taillights add to the Cadenza’s striking appearance, as it creates visual depth while also complementing the Z-shape lighting signature. Other thoughtful details include tasteful chrome garnishes in all the right places such as on the trunk lid, side mirrors, and rear quarter windows, while chrome side molding lends to the Cadenza’s sleeker profile.

The interior of the Cadenza is roomy and luxurious; if you tend to take clients or family out to lunch or on road trips, they will enjoy the extra leg room and space in the rear seat. There are also retractable side sunscreens in the back seats, so you can block that brightness without losing visibility.

There is a wraparound dashboard that goes all the way across the dash into the door panels, and it features actual stitches; soft leather is everywhere inside the cabin. There is also a Nappa leather trim that is available with “quilted seat bolsters accented by diamond-shaped stitching”.

The latest generation of Kia’s UVO system is present, and it features standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; as an option, you can add the 12 speakers, quad-volume surround sound, 630 watt Harman/Kardon audio system featuring ClariFi restoration technology.

The new Cadenza includes driver assistance features such as Advanced Smart Cruise Control with stop and go functionality, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning. A new Kia feature is Smart Blind Spot Detection System, which senses “unintentional drifting toward an adjacent vehicle and automatically brakes the opposite side front wheel to help maintain the vehicle’s intended course.” There are also nine airbags, including a driver’s side airbag; Kia is targeting an NHTSA 5 star rating and IAHS Top Safety Plus rating; they don’t have the final scores yet, but that’s what they are aiming for.

There’s also a new color heads-up display that shows the road speed you’re traveling, the speed limit on the road you’re traveling, and if you have a destination programmed into the navigation system it will also display the next turn — right there on the windshield in front of you. The heads-up display will also show if you have a vehicle approaching you on the right, which is a great safety feature.

The Cadenza also has built-in wireless Qi charging capability for those with wireless charging capable smartphones.

A revised version of Kia’s 3.3 liter direct injected V6 engine is under the hood; it has been retuned for better fuel economy. The new Cadenza has 290 horsepower, and it is a front wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

2017 Cadenza SXL

So how was the driving experience? From the moment I got behind the wheel, I was impressed with the comfort and roominess. We blasted the AC while running the heated seats (they are also ventilated) because this is a great trick for anyone with a sore lower back. Unlike other heated seats I’ve used that will eventually develop a hot spot on the seat, the Kia Cadenza has introduced a new technology that over time ramps down the “heat tunnel”, so you don’t get those hot spots. You can turn the seat heater on and use it all day, and the heater will automatically adjust itself so you don’t get uncomfortable. It’s the little things, right?

Our course took us through twisty single lane mountain roads, and I loved the stability and control I had while driving the Cadenza. The only time I got nervous was when large trucks came down the roads next to us — these were single lane twisty roads with no shoulders, but that couldn’t be helped. The suspension tight enough that it never felt mushy — and unlike my experience riding through similar roads in other luxury vehicles, I never felt nauseous. That’s a very good thing!

Photo courtesy of Kia

The car had plenty of power for pulling into highway lanes from frontage roads; as fun as it was to drive, the Cadenza was also extremely comfortable.

Several times I looked at our gas mileage, and I was surprised to note that we were averaging 33mpg or better. Honestly, in a big car like this, I thought that was quite impressive.

Photo taken at Fort Valley Ranch; special thanks to Laura (owner) and Les (head wrangler).

If you are looking for a beautiful, fun to drive, luxurious family car that gets great gas mileage, look at the 2017 Kia Cadenza.

There will be three different trim sets available: Premium Grade, which will around $32,000 (+895 destination charge), The middle grade, which they call the Technology Grade, will start around $39,000 (+895 destination charge). The top model, the SXL Limited, will start at about $44,000 (+895 destination charge). They will go one sale around the end of October or the first of November.

Disclosure: Kia paid for my travel, room, and meals; there were no conditions or expectations made regarding what I chose to write about with regard to my experience.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/08/20/2017-kia-cadenza-first-drive-of-kias-upgraded-luxury-sedan-in-the-virginia-mountains/feed/03671082016 Lexus GS F Luxury Sport Sedan Built for Drivinghttps://geardiary.com/2016/08/15/2016-lexus-gs-f-luxury-sport-sedan-built-for-driving/
https://geardiary.com/2016/08/15/2016-lexus-gs-f-luxury-sport-sedan-built-for-driving/#respondMon, 15 Aug 2016 22:30:28 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=367051Luxury and performance are two words not always found together when describing sedans, and when they are it is usually being used as adjectives to describe German automobiles. Lexus wants to prove it can offer serious competition to the luxury sport sedans from Europe, and it arrives in the form of the new GS F. …]]>

Luxury and performance are two words not always found together when describing sedans, and when they are it is usually being used as adjectives to describe German automobiles. Lexus wants to prove it can offer serious competition to the luxury sport sedans from Europe, and it arrives in the form of the new GS F.

2016 Lexus GS F/Images courtesy Lexus

Lexus first brought a beefy V-8 engine to the IS platform several years ago, but that vehicle suffered from the performance aspect being an afterthought. The new GS sport sedan platform Lexus re-introduced a few years back was a much better candidate to handle a higher output engine. In fact, the new RC F coupe utilizes some of the GS architecture in its underpinnings, and we have seen just how well that vehicle performs with more than 400 ponies under the hood.

The GS F features the 467hp 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine that features a redline of 7,300 rpm. It has optimized intake and exhaust manifolds as well as high-performance-tuned variable valve timing. Direct injection is utilized, and the cylinders have a high-compression ratio of 12.3:1. There is also a high-function baffle near the exhaust tips which themselves have a stylish yet sporty integration into the rear fascia. The power is sent to the rear wheels via Lexus’ 8-speed sport direct shift automatic transmission for solid, smooth shifts. The gearbox also features Lexus G force artificial intelligence shift control to keep the engine in the optimum operating range in all driving situations.

As with the RC F, the Lexus GS F features driving modes of Normal, Eco, Sport S, and Sport S+, the latter of which should be reserved for track operation. Standard is the torque vectoring rear differential that enhances traction control for better handling and performance. There are three modes for the TVD including standard, slalom, and track. The vehicle chassis features high structural rigidity and uses performance-tuned double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension systems. Lexus engineers have also beefed up brake components to Brembo gear while also adding front brake duct cooling and the electric power steering system is enhanced for performance.

The GS F features some distinct styling escapes from GS 350 and 450h hybrid sedans by way of more aggressive front-end design with functioning air inlets, carbon fiber rear spoiler for improved downforce and high-speed stability, driver-focused cockpit enhancements with unique F seating, and advanced onboard technologies. Standing still this car looks aggressive, and driving it feels like it was built specifically to take from street to track at any given moment.

The cockpit features the Lexus remote touch interface for accessing infotainment via the 12.3-inch electro multi-vision touchscreen display with dual display capability. The GS F also offers the premium 835-watt Mark Levinson audio system with 17 speakers and 7.1-channel digital sound reproduction. The dashboard features Alcantara suede across the top along with some carbon fiber trim elements throughout the interior. The F-exclusive sport bucket seats up front hold driver and front seat passenger firmly in place for those times when the vehicle is pushed closer to its limits yet they are comfortable enough for everyday driving as well as long road trips.

While the Germans have the upper hand in terms of overall power output from supercharged and turbocharged powerplants, Lexus is doing just fine with the V-8 used in the RC F and GS F models, and pricing is much more affordable. The final sticker for our tester GS F was $87,175. Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway and there is no gas guzzler tax.

The 2016 Lexus GS F is a blast to drive. Think of it as refined performance, as it manages to never forget there is luxury in this luxury sport sedan. The GS is not Lexus’ biggest seller and this GS F is going to be very niche in sales, but for those of you tired of your luxury sport sedans speaking with German accent, here is a viable alternative that won’t let your forget cars are all about being driven.

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/08/15/2016-lexus-gs-f-luxury-sport-sedan-built-for-driving/feed/0367051The K40 RLS2 Radar/Laser Detector Will Keep the Tickets at Bayhttps://geardiary.com/2016/08/14/the-k40-rls2-radarlaser-detector-will-keep-the-tickets-at-bay/
https://geardiary.com/2016/08/14/the-k40-rls2-radarlaser-detector-will-keep-the-tickets-at-bay/#commentsSun, 14 Aug 2016 22:00:36 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=366965Some people habitually drive too fast. For them, a good Radar Detector is a great way to keep tickets at bay. For me, however, a good radar detector is an effective reminder to pay attention and watch my speed. The K40 RLS2 Radar/Laser Detector is just such a tool, and it is an impressive one …]]>

Some people habitually drive too fast. For them, a good Radar Detector is a great way to keep tickets at bay. For me, however, a good radar detector is an effective reminder to pay attention and watch my speed. The K40 RLS2 Radar/Laser Detector is just such a tool, and it is an impressive one for speed demons and for me!

The company’s high-performance RLS2 radar detector that I was sent for review takes a different approach. While still packing the “powerful defensive punch” of the installed unit, it comes in a convenient, portable design. The unit installs in seconds and, because it is portable, it can be moved from one car to the other with ease. Better still, with this unit one avoids the process of having the unit professionally installed.

As the company explains:

Maximum accuracy is assured thanks to the intelligent K-Band filter that automatically scans and rejects radar-based safety features. With a variety of audible and visual warnings that warn what type of threat you’re facing as well as “geiger” audio effect that increases in intensity, you’ll be armed with maximum critical information so you can decide what action is required.

The unit ships with everything you need to install the RLS2 in just about any car. You get the unit itself, a fully adjustable windshield mounting bracket with suction cups, a standard coiled power cord with 12V outlet adapter, and a straight power cord for a custom hardwired installation. All of this means you can mount it in one car and then, if you upgrade your vehicle, simply move it from the old car to the new one. It also works well if, for example, you are taking a road trip. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

The portable device employs state-of-the-art GPS communication so you will always get maximum protection. It also offers the convenience of “Mark to Mute”. With this feature all it takes is a single press of a button to permanently silence the audio warning of false warning locations. This is important since, as I discovered while testing the unit, there are specific places I pass regularly that serve up a warning despite the fact that there is never an active radar detection system locking onto my car. Without the “Mark to Mute” function, these locations could trigger a warning each and every time I passed by. Thanks to this feature these “false warning locations” can be permanently turned off without my having to lose the protection the unit is designed to offer.

The system also offers 13 customizable settings so you get maximum control over the driving experience. Let’s run down the features and then talk about my experience using the K40 RLS2 Radar/Laser Detector.

K-Band Filter– An advanced, automatic filtering technology that intelligently recognizes and rejects radar-based safety features (such as adaptive cruise control or blind spot assist) in other vehicles so you can remain focused on real radar threats.

Mark to Mute– By using sophisticated GPS technology, you can easily program your system to mute the audible warning of false, non-police radar locations (e.g. an automatic door) you regularly travel past with a simple button push.

13 Customizable Settings– No two drivers, vehicles, or driving environments are the same. The K40 RLS2 is completely customizable to the way you drive.

Dim– Adjust the intensity of the display depending on the time of day or your visual preference.

GPS-based “Mark to Alert”– Mark to alert for locations such as speed traps, school zones, or red light cameras. This feature gives you the ability to “Mark and Unmark” any location. Build your own database of locations that are important to you. No annual subscriptions and no downloading or updating an ever-changing database from a home computer or laptop.

Quiet Ride– Eliminate annoying alerts in areas with a high concentration of non-police radar sources such as a strip mall parking lot. Just set a minimum detection speed and all audible alerts are eliminated until your vehicle exceeds a defined speed.

Speed Monitor– The next best thing to having a vigilant co-pilot riding with you. Whenever a preselected speed is exceeded, a constant audible alert is activated along with a visual alert advising you to “slow down.”

Voice or Tone plus Digital Display– Unique audible and visual warnings alert you to the specific police radar band targeting your vehicle as well as provide a “geiger” audio alert that accelerates as you near the threat.

As you can see, the K40 RLS2 Radar/Laser Detector has some amazing features, and it really packs a ton of power into a small, portable unit. I used it at home a bit, but then decided to really test it out in the best way possible… on a road trip out west!

I spent the second week of July in Israel and then flew directly to LA from there. Raina, who was not on the trip to the Middle East with me, went from New Jersey to LA a few days before I arrived. She packed the K40 Radar Detector in her bag so I could avoid having to bring the unit with me on my initial travels. (Israeli security tends to be rather tight, and I really did not want to end up explaining why I, who was with a group and taking private charted buses everywhere, had a radar detector with me.) I landed in LA, and Raina picked me up in a rented Hyundai Sonata. I pulled the radar detector out and plugged it in. The entire installation, if you can call it that, took about three seconds. I adjusted the volume and we began to drive.

The first leg of our trip was LA to Las Vegas. We let the radar detector do its thing and simply adjusted the volume so we didn’t have to hear it constantly. Honestly, that wasn’t a huge concern because the detector put out far less phantom alerts than any detector I have used. I quickly got to the point where I trusted that, if an alert went off, there was a reason for it. Almost always… there was.

That, of course, is thanks to the K-Band Filtering

[https://youtu.be/auIOYbFrHhg]

While we were in Los Angeles, I knew we would have a good deal of stop and go traffic. The Quiet Ride function came in quite handy! Seriously, think about what a brilliant setting this is. When I know I will be starting and stopping or moving at a fairly low-speed, there is no reason to get alerts. The Quiet Ride feature lets you set the detector to only alert you when you have reached a certain speed and, as a result, may be tempted to go even faster.

The Vibrant Dot Matrix Display is a second aspect of the K40 that came in quite handy. The display is easy to read, and I quickly came to rely on it for information us of our direction (compass) or speed. It is, as advertised, easy to read, day or night, and I was able to adjust the brightness so it was easy to read but not a distraction.

I should note that, while in California, we simply set the detector on the dashboard rather than using the included suction windshield mount. The reason for this is that, while California allows radar detectors, they do not allow anything to be mounted on the windshield. It was simply easier to leave it sitting on the dash in order to avoid any potential issue.

The next leg of the trip took us to the Grand Canyon. When we headed from Las Vegas to Williams, Arizona we found the highway speeds becoming increasingly high. I had never before encountered legal speeds limits of 75 miles an hour and I loved it! Here’s the thing though, the Sonata is a fantastic car. (Yes, I love my Lexus, but I was so pleasantly surprised by how great the Sonata was.) It also handled going 75 miles an hour with ease. In fact, not that would know from first-hand experience, but it handles speeds far in excess of 75 miles an hour without issue.

And I was concerned. When speed limits are as high as 75 miles an hour, I suspect the tolerance of the highway patrol is far less for those who even exceed THAT. And even if traffic was going far faster than 75 miles an hour, I figured 79 was safe but going much over 80 could be an issue. That’s where the radar detector’s Speed Monitor came in.

The next best thing to having a vigilant co-pilot riding with you. Whenever a preselected speed is exceeded, a constant audible alert is activated along with a visual alert advising you to “slow down.”

I set the top speed that I thought would be reasonable and, from there, simply drove. Whenever I exceeded my set speed, I got a gentle reminder that I might want to reconsider. As a result, we were able to cover hundreds of miles in a bit less time but without the worry of getting pulled over.

All the while the K40 RLS2 Radar/Laser Detector gave few if any false alerts. When an alert did happen, we almost always saw the source and were grateful to have the protection it offered.

The last leg of our trip brought us into Utah. We stayed at a resort about an hour and a half from both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. That meant we had a few days with a good bit of driving during each. Again, having a radar detector as an additional layer of information and “safety” was pretty great.

Best of all, when we turned in the rental, all I had to do was unplug the device from the power port and put it in my bag. Now we are back home, and it has once again taken up residence on my Lexus’ windshield.

In all, this is an incredibly power radar detector that is also simple to set up and use. I’m a fan.

What I Like: Simple to install; Packed with features; Easy to use; Easily moved from one vehicle to another

What Needs Improvement: Nothing

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/08/14/the-k40-rls2-radarlaser-detector-will-keep-the-tickets-at-bay/feed/13669652017 Kia Sportage: How Do You Like it Now?https://geardiary.com/2016/08/11/2017-kia-sportage-how-do-you-like-it-now/
https://geardiary.com/2016/08/11/2017-kia-sportage-how-do-you-like-it-now/#commentsThu, 11 Aug 2016 21:30:06 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=366906Half a decade ago Kia Motors America launched a marketing campaign for the all-new Sportage compact utility vehicle that begged the question (through song), ‘How do you like me now?’ We liked it just fine, but fast forward to the fourth-generation 2017 Kia Sportage and the Korean automaker is asking that question all over again. …]]>

Half a decade ago Kia Motors America launched a marketing campaign for the all-new Sportage compact utility vehicle that begged the question (through song), ‘How do you like me now?’ We liked it just fine, but fast forward to the fourth-generation 2017 Kia Sportage and the Korean automaker is asking that question all over again.

2017 Kia Sportage/Images courtesy Kia

For the 2017 model year, Kia has taken its popular cute ute back to the drawing board – again – and gives the model new looks, new content, and improved driving experience – again. Kia has been improving its vehicles leaps and bounds in successive models over the past decade or so and it is a brand that has to be taken seriously, cute campaign or no. This segment, the compact crossovers, is one of the most crowded and there is little room for error with the competition so automakers have to get things right and with the 2017 Sportage, Kia has gotten it right – again.

Overall the new model is slightly longer than the outgoing model and features a wheelbase that has increased by just over an inch. Width is about the same but thanks to additional redesign, interior space has grown with more comfort for rear seat passengers. Cargo space is also up – now 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row – and Kia offers the hands-free Smart Power Liftgate that was introduced in the new Hyundai Tucson CUV last year.

Sportage is offered on LX, EX, and SX Turbo trim levels in front- and all-wheel drive. Engines include the 2.4-liter I-4 rated at 181hp and 175 lb. ft. torque or the peppy 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 240hp on FWD models (237hp when equipped with AWD) and 260 lb. ft. torque. Our recent tester was the SX Turbo in FWD. Both engines are mated to a smooth six-speed Sportmatic automatic gearbox and AWD vehicles feature the next-generation Magna Dynamax intelligent AWD system that is available on every trim level and features a 50/50 locking center differential.

The front suspension of the new Sportage has been completely redesigned to deliver greater stability while providing more precise handling. Both front and rear suspension designs are fully independent and offer a very balanced driving experience that is smooth and controlled in all situations and road conditions. Slightly firmer shocks are given to the SX Turbo model for a bit more athleticism during your drive.

The 2017 Sportage is quiet and comfortable and features every amenity drivers and passengers might wish for in their compact utility. Summer was just kicking into high gear around here so the ventilated seats were well received but come winter we would appreciate the heated steering wheel. This Sportage did come with steering wheel paddle shifters but I find myself seldom (if ever) using those. Most times I would just wish for something else in the vehicle if they could be traded out, say a larger touchscreen display in the center console. Oh wait, our tester did arrive with the big screen 8-inch UVO system along with the rocking Harman/Kardon premium audio system with Clari-Fi music restoration technology, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Other advanced technology in the new Sportage is the blind spot detection with lane change assist, rear camera display, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear park assist, and autonomous emergency braking with forward collision alert. This is on top of the usual traction and stability control systems and downhill brake/hill-start assist. This SX Turbo rides on 19-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires and this trim level includes panoramic sunroof, power-folding heater outside mirrors, LED fog and tail lights, and dynamic bending lights with high beam assist. Pricing begins at $22,990 for the FWD LX model. Our SX Turbo FWD tester arrived with a final sticker of $33,395. Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

As for design, I appreciated the outgoing model’s looks both inside and out. The 2017 interior is just as smart with things being nicely driver cockpit-focused and comfortable seating with ample space all around, especially for a compact. The front fascia is called “cutting-edge” by Kia and sports the new corporate “tiger-nose” face of the brand. I understand Kia wants to shake things up every so often and perhaps the old look did not test well in focus groups but I think I actually prefer the outgoing exterior styling over this new look. Sorry, Kia.

Kia Sportage is a great little utility vehicle and perfect for families just starting out, singles with active lifestyles, and anyone downsizing their lives. The SX Turbo is very fun to drive offering tire-spinning launches and sprite acceleration. Do not make the mistake of overlooking this model when shopping competitive vehicles in the compact crossover segment and even if you are looking at small sedans or hatchbacks, do yourself a favor and check out the all-new 2017 Kia Sportage and see just how well you will like it now!

]]>https://geardiary.com/2016/08/11/2017-kia-sportage-how-do-you-like-it-now/feed/13669062017 Honda Ridgeline Is the New Urban Cowboyhttps://geardiary.com/2016/08/01/2017-honda-ridgeline-is-the-new-urban-cowboy/
https://geardiary.com/2016/08/01/2017-honda-ridgeline-is-the-new-urban-cowboy/#respondMon, 01 Aug 2016 22:00:58 +0000http://geardiary.com/?p=366464The first of my 2017 review vehicles arrived recently in the form of the all-new Honda Ridgeline. Ridgeline is the Honda pickup utility vehicle that shares its platform with the Pilot SUV, with Ridgeline getting a few truck-like modifications. This second-generation Ridgeline is a significant transformation over the previous model. Everywhere the original Ridgeline was …]]>

The first of my 2017 review vehicles arrived recently in the form of the all-new Honda Ridgeline. Ridgeline is the Honda pickup utility vehicle that shares its platform with the Pilot SUV, with Ridgeline getting a few truck-like modifications. This second-generation Ridgeline is a significant transformation over the previous model.

2016 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition/Images courtesy Honda

Everywhere the original Ridgeline was squared off, Honda has rounded for 2017. Up front the vehicle is very close to the Pilot SUV it shares many components with, and inside it does not give up much in the way of comfort and convenience. The new Ridgeline pickup ute rides very stable and drives like it was meant for the road. I found it almost turns itself into the bends in the roadway, lane keep assist on or off. Ridgeline is ready to go, 24/7!

Is the new truck perfect? No. And you might notice this is the first time I mentioned the “T” word. I cannot loop the new Ridgeline into the truck realm given its design and architecture. For certain it is a very capable vehicle that offers quite a bit of functionality, but a truck? Not yet. One of my first vehicles was a Chevy El Camino and I liken the Honda Ridgeline more to that genre than full-out pickup truck.

Ridgeline seats up to five adults in good comfort, although four life-size people will be better accommodated. It is powered by Honda’s 280hp direct-injected VTEC 3.5-liter V-6 engine with Earth Dreams technology and variable cylinder management. This is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Other than the fact there is a cargo box, the most truck-like attribute on the Ridgeline may be its fuel economy. It is rated at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, which is on par with most midsize pickups and fullsize SUVs on the road today and even some fullsize pickups are approaching these numbers.

The Honda Ridgeline is offered in two and all-wheel drive with the front wheels doing most of the work. AWD models feature new Intelligent Variable Torque Management torque-vectoring technology and drivers can match drive mode to road conditions with the Intelligent Traction Management System (Normal, Snow, Mud, or Sand).

Pricing for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline begins at $29,475 for the RT 2WD and $31,275 for RT AWD. The vehicle itself was designed by Honda R&D Americas in L.A. with vehicle development taking place at the Honda facility in Ohio. The new pickup comes together at the assembly plant in Lincoln, Ala.

The cargo box in the new Ridgeline features new glass fiber-reinforced SMC composite construction and is 3.9-inches longer and 5.5-inches wider than the previous model. It can haul 4-foot-wide items between the wheel wells and the dual-action tailgate returns along with the unique (awesome) in-bed trunk that can function as a cooler (drain plug included). New for this model is the truck bed audio system where sonic transducers turn the bed walls into speakers for ultimate tailgating. There is also a 115V AC outlet in the rear of the cargo box as well as side wall-mounted LED cargo lights and the obligatory tie-down anchors.

Inside the new Ridgeline is every bit as comfortable as a fully loaded SUV. While Honda offers a host of trim levels, our recent tester arrived in the Black Edition – as in EVERYTHING is black, including the interior in the summertime in Texas. Dear Honda – why oh why could you not give this thing ventilated seats? The vehicle is visually stunning and it got a lot of looks and comments during our week behind the wheel including a huge thumbs-up from my wife who now has the new Ridgeline on her short list for her next grandbaby hauler.

Other notable amenities include power moonroof, 18-inch black alloy wheels, blind spot information system with cross traffic monitor, walk away auto lock, remote engine start, Honda Sensing with collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and road departure mitigation. On the lane keep assist, we felt the system a bit too sensitive as it kept trying to steer me off the highway every time I passed an exit ramp. And the backup camera was out of focus or something as the screen image was the blurriest I have experienced in any vehicle with rearview camera (and yes, the lens was clean).

Inside we enjoyed the 8-inch color touchscreen display that featured navigation, electrostatic touch function, SiriusXM satellite radio, next generation HondaLink with smartphone integration, and premium audio system with subwoofer. The 2017 Ridgeline also features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Pricing for this loaded 2017 Honda Ridgeline AWD Black Edition rolls in at $43,770, lock, stock, and barrel. It featured sport tires that were a bit noisy on rough road surfaces but not to the point of being annoying. And for this money I want ventilated seats, especially in a vehicle with a black leather interior.

The new Ridgeline pickup utility vehicle is not perfect but it is a very good vehicle designed to the meet the needs of the many, not just the few. You won’t haul round bales of hay with it but you can carry up to 1,584 pounds of payload or tow up to 5,000 lbs. This is the new urban cowboy and it’s ready to rope, ride, or retail!